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MONSTER ENERGY® PRO CIRCUIT KAWASAKI RIDERS DELIVER STRONG RESULTS FOR OPENING ROUND OF EASTERN DIVISIONAL 250SX CLASS
Monster Energy® Pro Circuit Kawasaki riders Seth Hammaker and Drew Adams delivered strong performances in the opening round of the Eastern Divisional 250SX Class at Round 7 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in Arlington, Texas, finishing fourth and sixth in the 250SX Main Event. In the premier class, Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Chase Sexton battled through the field to secure sixth place, while Garrett Marchbanks showed strong speed throughout the day before an unfortunate mid-race crash ended his night early.
Arlington provided a powerful backdrop for Round 7, as AT&T Stadium hosted the series’ annual Military Appreciation Race. Patriotic tributes filled the weekend, creating an electric atmosphere as riders competed under specially curated themed graphics from D’COR Visuals and Throttle Syndicate, honoring those who serve. With the Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class Championship officially underway, the energy inside the stadium remained high from opening ceremonies through the final checkered flag.
In 250SX qualifying, Hammaker and Adams immediately established themselves among the front-runners in the competition. Hammaker delivered an impressive performance in the second session aboard his KX™250, setting the fastest lap of the session and showcasing elite pace on the technical Arlington layout, earning third overall. Adams remained consistently strong across both sessions to secure a solid sixth overall.
In 250 Heat 1, Adams faced a challenging start from mid-pack, but he remained composed and methodical, steadily working his way forward through traffic. With clean lines and consistent lap times, the No. 35 Kawasaki climbed to sixth by the checkered flag to transfer directly into the main event. Heat 2 featured early drama, with a red flag immediately after the start forcing a complete restart. When the gate dropped again, Hammaker launched into second and quickly made his move, executing a decisive pass for the lead on the opening lap. From there, he immediately gapped the field and controlled the race from the front. The No. 10 Kawasaki took the heat race victory with over a six-second lead.
In the 250 Main Event, Hammaker powered off the line, avoiding a large first-turn crash as the riders near him made bar-to-bar contact. The No. 10 kept his line and stayed strong as he rounded the corner in the Top 10. Hammaker quickly moved to the front and settled into an intense battle inside the Top 5. The racing remained tight throughout the event, with positions changing rapidly across the demanding track. Hammaker maintained a strong pace, posting the fastest lap of the race aboard his KX™250 to finish fourth. Adams delivered one of the standout rides of the night, charging from 11th through the field. With aggressive but calculated passes, he continued pushing forward and secured sixth with a late race move. Following the opening round of the Eastern Divisional 250SMX Championship, Hammaker sits fourth in points, while Adams holds sixth as both riders establish themselves early in the title fight.
In 450SX qualifying, Sexton showed early speed aboard his KX™450SR, finishing second in the opening session before ending fifth overall. Marchbanks looked comfortable and confident on the demanding layout, showing strong rhythm and control throughout the first session to secure fifth, before finishing 13th overall.
In Heat 2, both Sexton and Marchbanks started near the front of the pack and quickly settled into competitive positions. Marchbanks rode a composed and steady race just outside the Top 5, while Sexton worked forward through traffic with calculated passes. The teammates briefly battled positions late in the race before Sexton secured sixth and Marchbanks seventh, both transferring directly to the main event.
In the 450 Main Event, both riders faced difficult starts that placed them deep in the field. Sexton came together twice with the series contender Eli Tomac down the start straight to round the first turn at the back of the field. Undeterred, the No. 4 immediately went to work, steadily advancing through traffic with a strong pace and precision. He climbed into sixth passing 13 riders and maintained consistent speed through the closing laps to secure the position. Marchbanks was also making impressive forward progress, charging into the Top 10 before an unfortunate crash in the whoops ended his night early after an otherwise strong performance throughout the day. Following Arlington, Sexton and Marchbanks both maintain their points standings as the season continues to build momentum heading into Daytona.